Started in 2009, the RQFWS – Royal Queensland Food & Wine Show, has been solely dedicated to supporting and promoting local Aussie produce to the world. The event showcases various kinds of products like wines, champagnes, vinegars, beer products, and so much more! The results for the Royal Queensland Wine Show (RQWS) 2017 were announced on Friday, July 7th at the Brisbane Showgrounds. Chief Judge David Bicknell presided over the proceedings, along with a panel of 25 more esteemed judges. 217 Aussie wineries – big and small, famous as well as unknown – took part in this event. A total number of 1608 wine entries were received by the panel, who took immense pleasure in announcing this year’s winner to the public.
Xanadu Wines Reserve Chardonnay 2015 was declared the Grand Champion Wine of Show. David was overwhelmed with this Chardy, saying that it was “as good as any Chardonnay in the world”. He went on to say that this elegant Margaret River white is a beautifully balanced wine of world class quality.
Xanadu was not the only winner from Margaret River. Deep Woods Estate won the iconic Stodart Trophy for its 2015 Estate Cabernet Merlot, which was titled the Best Young Red of Show. The audience was pleasantly surprised as this was the first time a Cabernet Merlot blend won this historic trophy in recent years. Shiraz wines usually dominate this forte. David Bicknell commented that most of the judges voted for this delicious Cab Merlot as their first preference. They enjoyed it so much that they weren’t even willing to move past it to the next one.
A few other trophies that were awarded to the contesting wines are –
Best Riesling: Peter Lehmann Wigan Riesling 2015
Best Semillon: Mount Pleasant Lovedale 2009
Best SB or SSB: Berrigan Mt Benson Sauvignon Blanc 2017
Best Pinot Gris: Brown Brothers Devil's Corner Pinot Grigio 2016
Best Rose: Shingleback Aficionado Rose 2017
Best Pinot Noir: Agnew Pooles Rock Pinot Noir 2016
Best Shiraz: Brokenwood Wade Block 2 Shiraz 2015
Best Fortified: Penfolds Grandfather Rare Tawny NV
The Maldwyn And Ian Davies Best Sparkling: House of Arras Grand Vintage 2008
The AO Fleming Best Chardonnay: Xanadu Reserve Chardonnay 2015
Best Red Blend: Saltram Estate Shiraz Tempranillo 2016
Lendlease Most Successful Queensland Exhibitor: Symphony Hill Wines
Dan O'Connor Trophy Most Successful Exhibitor: Shingleback
Post announcing the results, it was time for the public to rejoice! The very same night, RQFWS hosted the event – “Grape Grazing by Night – Celebrating Australian Wine”. More than 800 attendees celebrated and partied, drinking the night away with the trophy winning wine varietals and blends, as well as the new vintages of the season. It was certainly a night to remember!
